Senior Propulsion Design Engineer – Rocket Motors & Systems

Plainsvc; Addison (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental and vision plans

Employee assistance program

Flexible work schedule

On-site perks and refreshments

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Firehawk Aerospace in Addison, TX is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to lead the design and development of solid and hybrid rocket motors and engines. You will report to the Design Manager and collaborate across Design, Testing, and Manufacturing to advance propulsion projects.

The ideal candidate brings deep missile/rocket motor experience, strong CAD skills, and a track record of delivering robust, manufacturable designs in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical design.
• Experience with missile and/or solid rocket motor design.
• Proficient with GD&T, tolerance analysis, design for manufacturability.
• Experience with PLM software (Windchill preferred).
• Strong understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of mechanical systems.
• General understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, heat treating).
• Capability to manage project efforts and solve complex problems.
• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Focus on safety, reliability, innovation, efficiency, teamwork.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote).
• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and work on test/flight hardware
• Must be willing to travel as required (<20%) to support project needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead/mentor other engineers in the design and development of solid/hybrid rocket systems.
• Create/modify CAD models and associated drawings.
• Support the design, development, and production of rocket engines/motors.
• Work with analysis/fluids/manufacturing/testing teams to iterate designs.
• Make project decisions based on technical merit, cost, and schedule metrics.
• Analyze and interpret test data to improve and qualify propulsion systems meeting customer specifications and/or research objectives.
• Collaborate with other engineers and project managers to meet project goals.
• Ensure that all propulsion systems and processes comply with governmental regulations and safety standards.

Skills

Missile/rocket motor design

5+ years mechanical design

Communication and teamwork

Project management (preferred)

Self-motivation and organization

Problem solving in R&D

Safety and reliability focus

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

CREO

Windchill

SOLIDWORKS

NX

CATIA

Job description

Firehawk Aerospace in Addison, TX is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to lead the design and development of solid and hybrid rocket motors and engines. You will report to the Design Manager and collaborate across Design, Testing, and Manufacturing to advance propulsion projects.

The ideal candidate brings deep missile/rocket motor experience, strong CAD skills, and a track record of delivering robust, manufacturable designs in a fast‑paced R&D environment.